Hot shot

Photographer Josie Lepe talks about the fantastic image she got of Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl scoring his fourth goal in Tuesday night’s game against the Rangers. Despite an official blocking her view at a crucial moment, Josie caught Hertl’s stunning between-the-legs shot that flew over the goalie’s shoulder. Take a look, then scroll down to read how the night went for her.

San Jose Sharks Tomas Hertl (48) scores his fourth goal of the night against New York Rangers goalie Martin Biron (43) in the third period at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

“WOW! This kid is AMAZING!” That was my reaction when Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl scored a wraparound goal in the third period, his third goal of the night. I was enjoying shooting hockey history – a rookie got his first hat trick.

I had no idea the fourth goal yet to come was going to be even better. I was following Hertl as he carried the puck toward the goal, when suddenly an official crossed in front of me, blocking my view. I couldn’t see Hertl shoot, I just kept my finger on the shutter. “Holy cow, he just scored again! Four goals – WOW!” I thought. The arena erupted. The crowd chanted his name, “Hertl! Hertl!” louder and louder. And after another quick goal by Justin Braun, they added, “We want TEN!” a request for the Sharks to score yet another goal.

I wasn’t sure I had captured an image of that spectacular goal. That official was in the way. When the game ended I started sending images to the newspaper and overlooked this shot, I was editing too quickly. I didn’t see the puck hanging in the air over the goalie. It wasn’t until Rocky Widner, a Sharks team photographer, came by and asked to see all of my images, that we found it! I was happy I had the shot.

As a photographer, you see the game in a very narrow window, and while concentrating on the puck you’re sometimes not sure what you actually captured in the frame until the editing begins. It was a great night for hockey and I’m so glad I got to witness it. And the next day I’m still thinking, “WOW! This kid is AMAZING!”